Volunteering at Go For It! (GFI)
GFI VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 3RD!
Go For It (GFI) is an inspiring, high-energy leadership and character development conference designed to grow the next generation of servant leaders. Through interactive sessions, personal discovery, and skill-building activities, students leave motivated to make a difference in their schools and communities.
There are two conference tracks:
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GFI Bluegrass: Grades 6–8
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GFI Commonwealth: Grades 9–12
The 2026 conference will be held January 17–19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend) at Camp Cedarmore in Bagdad, KY and brings students together from across Kentucky for an unforgettable three-day experience.
Volunteers are the heart of GFI. We couldn’t do it without you! There are three key volunteer roles:
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Facilitators – Lead small groups, guide discussions, and help students connect with the program’s theme, which changes each year.
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Resource Staff – Bring the energy! Lead songs, games, and large-group activities while supporting behind-the-scenes logistics and technology.
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Media Volunteer – Capture the magic through photos and video, creating the end-of-conference slideshow.
Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have you!
All volunteers must:
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Complete a background check (questions? Email Emilee!)
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Follow the KY YMCA Volunteer Code of Conduct (online)
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Complete KY YMCA Child Safety Training (online)
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Attend on-site volunteer training
What GFI Volunteers Have to Say ...
"One of my goals for 2025 was to reconnect with the KY YMCA Youth Association. So, when the volunteer form opened up for the winter leadership development conference Go For IT (GFI), I went for it. (That joke gets made a lot).
I had the delightful challenge of being a media volunteer and tasked with capturing one of the largest GFI conferences since 2019. This combined endeavor of middle and high schoolers taught me a lot with cardboard and a good backstory, that there is never enough coffee to fuel a conference, and that everything good and bad deserves "five big booms." (fi you're confused on that last one, ask your local GenZ/GenAlpha).
I am so grateful to ahve been surrounded by so many amazing Y staff and volunteers this frigid weekend, led by the aazing Nicole Hankins. It's always heart warming to reunite with familY."
Barrett Wagner
2025 GFI Volunteer
Facilitator Role Description
Facilitators are volunteers whose primary role at GFI is to lead small groups of students through discussions and activities as part of the GFI program and theme. These groups, or “families,” of 10-15 participants each remain constant throughout the conference; facilitators guide participants through the program in these family groups, moving between thought-provoking discussion and fun shenanigans.
Requirements and Notes
- Full conference and training attendance is required.
- GFI Commonwealth Facilitators should be either 21 years or age or two full years out of high school or equivalent. Resource Staff or Facilitator experience is preferred.
- GFI Bluegrass Facilitators should be at least 18 years of age and high school graduates or equivalent from the previous year. Previous Resource Staff or Facilitator experience is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead small groups of students through a program with personal and introspective subject matter. Assist students in reflecting on their character and their potential as leaders both as individuals and as a team
- Encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and see the world from different perspectives
- Foster a small group environment where students listen and engage actively
- Identify students that may require special attention and react accordingly (per additional training that will be provided to volunteers)
- Participate in all aspects of the conference (singing songs, participating in very active games and outdoor activities, wearing costumes, getting messy, and general silliness)
- Be actively engaged during long days with sometimes limited sleep
- Maintain high energy levels during the conference
- Assist in rotating shifts of morning wake-ups and curfew/hall checks. NOTE: Volunteers MUST be accompanied by at least one other volunteer at all times during hall checks and may NEVER enter student sleep rooms.
Resource Staff Role Description
Members of the Resource Staff team are the “magic makers” of GFI. Resource Staff perform many of the behind-the-scenes tasks necessary to prep for upcoming activities at the conference, and they also lead songs and games and guide reflections. The goal of the Resource Staff team is to create a fun, welcoming, well-run conference.
Requirements and Notes
- Full conference and training attendance is strongly preferred; however, Y-Staff may be able to accommodate other arrangements if needed.
- GFI Commonwealth Resource Staff should be either 21 years or at least two full years out of high school or equivalent.
- GFI Bluegrass Resource Staff should be 18 years of age and high school graduates or equivalent from the previous year.
Resource Staff Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing all spaces for upcoming activities, such as games, dances, and our outdoor “Fire of Friendship” bonfire
- Lead students in “Morning Madness,” our active morning session of songs, games, and silliness
- Fully participate to help set the tone for students at the conference (ranging from quiet and attentive to active and participating in songs and games)
- Be actively engaged during long days with sometimes limited sleep
- Maintain high energy levels during the conference
- Assist in rotating shifts of morning wake-ups and curfew/hall checks. NOTE: Volunteers MUST be accompanied by at least one other volunteer at all times during hall checks and may NEVER enter student sleep rooms.
Media Role Description
As a Media Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in capturing the essence of the conference by taking photos and videos throughout the event. Your responsibilities will include documenting key moments, candid interactions, and significant sessions to create a visual narrative of the experience. In addition to daily media coverage, you will be tasked with assembling a highlight reel to present during the closing session, showcasing the energy, learning, and connections made during the conference. Your work will help preserve the memories and impact of the event for all participants.
Requirements and Notes
- Full conference and training attendance is required.
Responsibilities
- Capture high-quality photos and videos of key moments, sessions, and interactions throughout the conference.
- Ensure a diverse range of content, including candid shots, group photos, and event highlights.
- Edit and organize media content daily to maintain a consistent flow of coverage.
- Collaborate with the event team to identify specific moments and sessions to prioritize for coverage.
- Manage and maintain media equipment, ensuring it is charged and ready for use at all times.
- Assemble a conference highlight video to present during the closing session, summarizing the event's energy and impact.
- Assist with live social media coverage if needed, posting selected photos or videos in real-time.
- Communicate effectively with other volunteers and staff to ensure smooth media operations throughout the event.